A victory has been achieved for campaigners concerned over the presence of toxic chemicals in household plastics, with the recent announcement of a ban on certain chemicals commonly used in plastic household items.
On February 17, the EU Commission announced that three plastic softening phthalates known as DEHP, BBP and DBP, the fragrance Musk Xylene, the flame-retardant HBCDD and the epoxy resin-hardener MDA, are to be banned within the next three to five years.
Although the most toxic phthalates have been banned in children's toys since 1999, a survey last October showed some are commonly found in products on supermarket shelves, including items regularly used by children, such as pencil cases and erasers.
This recent decision marks the first time chemicals have been banned under the EU Regulation on 'Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals' (REACH), which aims to make chemicals safer for human health and the environment by requiring businesses to prove their products are safe before they sell them.
However, companies will be allowed to apply for an exemption from the ban on using or selling the six chemicals by applying for an authorisation.
Any company wishing to be granted an authorisation will need to demonstrate they have safety measures in place to control risks, or that the benefits for the economy and society outweigh the risks of using the chemical.
"Chemicals are everywhere in the modern world and some of them can be very dangerous, " EU environment commissioner Janez Potocnik said. "This decision is an important step toward better protecting our health and the environment."
For more information, see:
